In-vehicle device, connection switching method, and connection switching program

Abstract

To reduce power consumption and improve reliability in an on-vehicle device.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle device is mounted on a vehicle, and includes: a processor; a communication port; a first communication IC (Integrated Circuit) connected to the processor and configured to output to the processor a frame received from outside the on-vehicle device via the communication port; a second communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a received frame to the processor when the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition; and a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device, a connection switching method, and a connection switching program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as the functionality of onboard devices mounted in vehicles becomes more sophisticated, the processing load and communication load on the onboard devices tend to increase, and technologies for reducing power consumption in the onboard devices have been developed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-081021 (Patent Document 1) discloses the following in-vehicle network system. That is, the in-vehicle network system includes a management ECU and multiple ECUs that have the function of selectively executing a normal mode or a sleep mode based on network management corresponding to a partial network. Each ECU can be individually powered on / off by a power relay of the management ECU. The management ECU identifies a scene corresponding to the vehicle situation based on information acquired via a communication bus, and determines the control content for switching the power on / off for a specific ECU corresponding to the identified scene. Then, based on the determined control content, the management ECU operates a switch of the power relay to switch the power on / off for the specific ECU. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-081021 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-227060 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a technology that goes beyond the technology described in Patent Document 1 and that reduces power consumption in on-board devices and is more reliable.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle device, a connection switching method, and a connection switching program that can reduce power consumption in the in-vehicle device and improve reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle-mounted device of the present disclosure is an vehicle-mounted device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a processor, a communication port, a first communication IC (Integrated Circuit) connected to the processor and outputting a frame received from outside the vehicle-mounted device via the communication port to the processor, a second communication IC connected to the processor and outputting the received frame to the processor if the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition, and a first switching unit that switches the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC.

[0007] The connection switching method disclosed herein is a connection switching method for an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, the on-board device comprising: a processor; a communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and outputting a frame received from outside the on-board device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor and outputting the received frame to the processor when the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition; and a first switching unit switching the connection of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC, and including the steps of controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected; and controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected when the state of the on-board device satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0008] The connection switching program disclosed herein is a connection switching program used in an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, wherein the on-board device comprises a processor, a communication port, a first communication IC connected to the processor and outputting a frame received from outside the on-board device via the communication port to the processor, a second communication IC connected to the processor and outputting the received frame to the processor when the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition, and a first switching unit that switches the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC, and the program causes a computer to function as a control unit that controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected when the state of the on-board device satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure may be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of an in-vehicle device, or may be realized as a system including an in-vehicle device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce power consumption in an in-vehicle device and improve reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a switching operation of a first switching unit in the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a switching operation of a second switching unit in the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the processor when the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is in a PN transceiver connected state. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the processor when the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is in a normal transceiver connection state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure for switching the connection state of an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure for a loopback test of an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle device according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the timing at which an in-vehicle device receives each frame and the timing at which the processor in the in-vehicle device starts up when the in-vehicle device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a normal transceiver connection state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the timing at which an in-vehicle device receives each frame and the timing at which the processor in the in-vehicle device starts up when the in-vehicle device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a PN transceiver connected state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a processor, a communication port, a first communication IC (Integrated Circuit) connected to the processor and outputting a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor, a second communication IC connected to the processor and outputting the received frame to the processor if the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition, and a first switching unit that switches the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC.

[0013] With this configuration, for example, under normal circumstances, the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and the processor is activated when a frame that meets a predetermined condition arrives at the processor, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the second communication IC or the like, the communication port and the first communication IC can be electrically connected, allowing frames to be processed by the processor. This reduces power consumption in the in-vehicle device and improves reliability.

[0014] (2) The in-vehicle device may further include a second switching unit connected between the first communication IC and the first switching unit, and the second switching unit switches between a state in which the first communication IC and the first switching unit are electrically connected and a state in which the first communication IC and the second communication IC are electrically connected.

[0015] With this configuration, for example, a loopback test can be performed in which frames are sent and received between the first communication IC and the second communication IC, and malfunctions in the second communication IC or the software of the processor that processes frames from the second communication IC can be detected.

[0016] (3) The processor may perform a loopback test in which frames are sent and received between the first communication IC and the second communication IC when the first switching unit electrically connects the second switching unit to the communication port and the second switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC to the second communication IC.

[0017] With this configuration, loopback testing can be performed while preventing frames from reaching the processor from outside the vehicle-mounted device, thereby obtaining more accurate test results.

[0018] (4) The first communication IC may be a CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver, and the second communication IC may be a CAN transceiver compatible with a partial network.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption and increase reliability in an in-vehicle device that performs communication in accordance with the CAN standard.

[0020] (5) The processor may perform the loopback test while the vehicle is stopped.

[0021] This configuration can prevent the loopback test from affecting the running of the vehicle.

[0022] (6) Travel of the vehicle stopped The state in which the vehicle is parked may be a state in which the vehicle is parked.

[0023] In this way, by configuring the loopback test to be performed while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, it is possible to more reliably prevent the loopback test from affecting the running of the vehicle.

[0024] (7) In the loopback test, the processor may perform a first test to confirm whether the frame output to the first communication IC can be received from the second communication IC, and a second test to confirm whether the frame output to the second communication IC can be received from the first communication IC, and may notify an external device installed outside the vehicle of the results of the first test and the second test.

[0025] In this way, by performing both the first and second tests, it is possible to more accurately detect malfunctions in the second communication IC or the software of the processor that processes frames from the second communication IC, etc. Furthermore, by notifying an external device outside the vehicle of the test results, it is possible for a vehicle management center, for example, to grasp malfunctions in the second communication IC, etc. in the vehicle.

[0026] (8) After notifying the external device of the results of the first test and the second test, if the processor receives an instruction from the external device based on the results of the first test and the second test, the processor may control the first switching unit to switch the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC in accordance with the instruction.

[0027] With this configuration, for example, a management center that can grasp various information can more appropriately determine the connection destination of the communication port in the vehicle-mounted device.

[0028] (9) The processor may be capable of performing sleep operation, and the processor may switch a mode related to the sleep operation between a first connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the communication port, and a second connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the second communication IC and the communication port.

[0029] When the in-vehicle device is in the second connection state, there is a high possibility that frames will arrive at the processor less frequently than when the in-vehicle device is in the first connection state. With the above configuration, the processor can be operated in an appropriate mode according to the frequency of frames arriving at the processor, thereby making it possible to appropriately reduce power consumption in the in-vehicle device.

[0030] (10) The processor may operate in a mode in which it is activated intermittently in the first connection state, and in a mode in which it is activated when a frame from outside the vehicle-mounted device is received from the second communication IC in the second connection state.

[0031] With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately reduce power consumption in the in-vehicle device while allowing the processor to process frames arriving at the processor.

[0032] (11) The processor may operate in an intermittent activation mode, and the activation cycle of the processor in the second connection state may be longer than the activation cycle of the processor in the first connection state.

[0033] In this way, the processor is configured to be activated intermittently whether the connection state of the in-vehicle device is the first connection state or the second connection state, so that even if the processor receives a frame that does not pass through either the first communication IC or the second communication IC, the processor can process the frame. Furthermore, the processor's activation cycle in the second connection state is longer than the processor's activation cycle in the first connection state, so that power consumption in the in-vehicle device can be appropriately reduced depending on the frequency of frames arriving at the processor.

[0034] (12) A connection switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a connection switching method in an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, the on-board device comprising: a processor; a communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received via the communication port from outside the on-board device to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output the received frame to the processor when the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition; and a first switching unit configured to switch the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC, the method including the steps of: controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected; and controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected when the state of the on-board device satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0035] With this method, for example, under normal circumstances, the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and the processor is started when a frame that meets a predetermined condition arrives at the processor, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the second communication IC or the like, the communication port and the first communication IC can be electrically connected, allowing frames to be processed by the processor. This reduces power consumption in the in-vehicle device and improves reliability.

[0036] (13) A connection switching program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a connection switching program used in an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, the on-board device comprising: a processor; a communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the on-board device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output the received frame to the processor when the frame received via the communication port satisfies a predetermined condition; and a first switching unit configured to switch the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC, and the program is for causing a computer to function as a control unit that controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected when the state of the on-board device satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0037] With this configuration, for example, under normal circumstances, the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and the processor is activated when a frame that meets a predetermined condition arrives at the processor, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the second communication IC or the like, the communication port and the first communication IC can be electrically connected, allowing frames to be processed by the processor. This reduces power consumption in the in-vehicle device and improves reliability.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0039] <Configuration and basic operation> [Overall configuration] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, hierarchically, an in-vehicle device 101 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on a vehicle.

[0040] Specifically, the vehicle is equipped with a communication system including, for example, a plurality of ECUs and an integrated ECU that controls the plurality of ECUs. The in-vehicle device 101 is, for example, one of the ECUs controlled by the integrated ECU, and communicates with other ECUs or the integrated ECU in the communication system in accordance with the CAN (Controller Area Network) standard.

[0041] More specifically, the in-vehicle device 101 includes communication ports 10H and 10L corresponding to the CANH and CANL communication lines, respectively, a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a normal transceiver 12 which is an example of a first communication IC (Integrated Circuit), a PN transceiver 13 which is an example of a second communication IC, a first switching unit 14, and a second switching unit 15. The communication ports 10H and 10L are, for example, connectors or terminals of an integrated circuit. The processor 11 is an example of a control unit.

[0042] The normal transceiver 12 is, for example, a CAN transceiver, and is connected to the processor 11 via three terminals corresponding to STB (Strobe), TxD (Transmit Data), and RxD (Receive Data), respectively.

[0043] When the normal transceiver 12 receives a frame transmitted from outside the in-vehicle device 101 via the communication ports 10H and 10L, it outputs the frame to the processor 11. Furthermore, when the normal transceiver 12 receives a frame output from the processor 11, it transmits the frame to outside the in-vehicle device 101 via the communication ports 10H and 10L.

[0044] The PN transceiver 13 is, for example, a CAN transceiver that supports a partial network. The PN transceiver 13 is connected to the processor 11 via six terminals corresponding to SCLK (Serial CLK), SDI (Serial Data In), SDO (Serial Data Out), nCS (n Chip Select), TxD, and RxD, respectively.

[0045] When the PN transceiver 13 receives a frame transmitted from outside the in-vehicle device 101 via the communication ports 10H and 10L, it determines whether the frame satisfies a predetermined condition. If the PN transceiver 13 determines that the frame satisfies the predetermined condition, it outputs the frame to the processor 11.

[0046] Furthermore, when the PN transceiver 13 receives a frame output from the processor 11, it transmits the frame to the outside of the in-vehicle device 101 via the communication ports 10H and 10L.

[0047] The first switching unit 14 is operable upon receiving a control signal from the processor 11, and is thereby capable of switching the connection destination of the communication ports 10H, 10L between the normal transceiver 12 and the PN transceiver 13.

[0048] The second switching unit 15 is connected between the normal transceiver 12 and the first switching unit 14. The second switching unit 15 operates in response to a control signal from the processor 11, thereby switching between a state in which the normal transceiver 12 and the first switching unit 14 are electrically connected and a state in which the normal transceiver 12 and the PN transceiver 13 are electrically connected.

[0049] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a switching operation of a first switching unit in the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a switching operation of a second switching unit in the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 1 shows a state in which the first switching unit 14 electrically connects the communication ports 10H, 10L to the PN transceiver 13, and the second switching unit 15 electrically connects the normal transceiver 12 to the first switching unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "PN transceiver connection state" (second connection state)).

[0051] Figure 2 shows a state in which the second switching unit 15 electrically connects the normal transceiver 12 to the first switching unit 14, and the first switching unit 14 electrically connects the normal transceiver 12 to the communication ports 10H and 10L via the second switching unit 15 (hereinafter referred to as the "normal transceiver connection state" (first connection state)).

[0052] Figure 3 shows a state in which the first switching unit 14 electrically connects the communication ports 10H, 10L to the second switching unit 15, and the second switching unit 15 electrically connects the normal transceiver 12 to the PN transceiver 13 (hereinafter referred to as the "loopback connection state").

[0053] The in-vehicle device 101 is not limited to a configuration that performs communication according to CAN, but may be a configuration that performs communication according to LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CXIP (Clock Extension Peripheral Interface). In this case, the in-vehicle device 101 has a communication port that corresponds to the LIN or CXIP communication line instead of the communication ports 10H and 10L that correspond to the CANH and CANL communication lines, respectively.

[0054] [PN transceiver connection status details] Referring back to FIG. 1, for example, at the start of operation, the processor 11 controls the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connected state.

[0055] In the PN transceiver connected state, a frame transmitted from outside the in-vehicle device 101 to the in-vehicle device 101 arrives at the PN transceiver 13 via the communication ports 10H and 10L. Upon receiving the frame, the PN transceiver 13 determines whether the frame satisfies a predetermined condition by, for example, referring to an ID (Identification) included in the frame.

[0056] More specifically, the PN transceiver 13 checks whether the bit pattern of the ID included in the frame matches a predetermined pattern pre-registered in the PN transceiver 13. If the bit pattern matches the predetermined pattern, the PN transceiver 13 determines that the frame satisfies a predetermined condition and outputs the frame to the processor 11.

[0057] On the other hand, if the bit pattern of the ID included in the frame does not match the predetermined pattern, the PN transceiver 13 determines that the frame does not satisfy the predetermined condition and, for example, discards the frame.

[0058] In addition to checking the bit pattern of the ID contained in a frame from outside the in-vehicle device 101, the PN transceiver 13 may also check the data length of the frame and determine whether the frame satisfies a specified condition based on the combination of the bit pattern of the ID and the data length.

[0059] 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the processor when the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is in a PN transceiver connected state. Referring to FIG. 4, the processor 11 can perform a sleep operation and switches the mode related to the sleep operation between the PN transceiver connected state and the normal transceiver connected state.

[0060] More specifically, when the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connected state, the processor 11 remains in a sleep state unless a frame arrives, and is activated when a frame from outside the in-vehicle device 101 is received via the communication ports 10H, 10L and the PN transceiver 13, i.e., when the PN transceiver 13 outputs a frame that satisfies predetermined conditions to the processor 11 (hereinafter referred to as "PN sleep mode").

[0061] When the processor 11 receives a frame from the PN transceiver 13 and starts up, it performs predetermined processing, such as controlling equipment installed in the vehicle, based on the data contained in the frame, and transitions back to a sleep state after completing the processing.

[0062] [Normal transceiver connection status details] Referring again to Figure 2, if the processor 11 determines that the state of the in-vehicle device 101 satisfies predetermined conditions in the loopback test described below, it outputs control signals to the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the in-vehicle device 101 is in a normal transceiver connection state.

[0063] The connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 satisfies the predetermined condition when, for example, there is a problem with the PN transceiver 13 or the software of the processor 11 that processes frames from the PN transceiver 13 .

[0064] Furthermore, for example, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the processor 11 outputted the control signals to the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15, the processor 11 checks the states of the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 to determine whether the switching to the normal transceiver connection state has been completed. Then, when the processor 11 determines that the switching to the normal transceiver connection state has been completed, the processor 11 transitions to a sleep state.

[0065] In the normal transceiver connection state, a frame transmitted from outside the in-vehicle device 101 to the in-vehicle device 101 arrives at the normal transceiver 12 via the communication ports 10H and 10L. Upon receiving the frame, the normal transceiver 12 outputs the frame to the processor 11 as described above.

[0066] 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the processor when the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is in a normal transceiver connection state. Referring to FIG. 5, when the in-vehicle device 101 is in a normal transceiver connection state, the processor 11 operates in a mode in which it is activated intermittently (hereinafter referred to as a "normal sleep mode").

[0067] For example, the processor 11 is activated at a predetermined cycle and transitions to a sleep state when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the activation timing. The length of the predetermined time T2 during which the processor 11 is activated is shorter than the activation cycle of the processor 11.

[0068] Furthermore, when the processor 11 receives a frame from outside the in-vehicle device 101 via the communication ports 10H, 10L and the normal transceiver 12 while it is running, it references the ID of the frame and determines whether the frame satisfies a predetermined condition. If the frame does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the processor 11 discards the frame, for example.

[0069] On the other hand, if the frame satisfies a predetermined condition, processor 11 performs a predetermined process, such as controlling an on-vehicle device, based on the data included in the frame. Processor 11 then transitions back to the sleep state at the later of the timing at which the process is completed and the timing at which a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the processor was started up.

[0070] [Loopback connection status details] 3 again, the processor 11 performs a loopback test periodically or irregularly. More specifically, for example, once a month, the processor 11 outputs a control signal to the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the in-vehicle device 101 is in a loopback connection state when the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device 101 is stopped. The state when the vehicle is stopped refers to, for example, when the vehicle is parked or stopped.

[0071] In addition, the processor 11 checks whether the switching to the loopback connection state has been completed by checking the state of the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15, for example, after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed from the time when the control signal was output to the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15.

[0072] Then, when the processor 11 confirms that the switch to the loopback connection state has been completed, it performs a loopback check by causing the normal transceiver 12 and the PN transceiver 13 to transmit and receive frames.

[0073] That is, in the loopback test, the processor 11 outputs a test frame that satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions to the normal transceiver 12, and performs a first test to confirm whether the frame can be received from the PN transceiver 13. Furthermore, the processor 11 outputs a test frame to the PN transceiver 13, and performs a second test to confirm whether the frame can be received from the normal transceiver 12.

[0074] The inspection frame output in the second inspection may be a frame that satisfies a predetermined condition, or may be a frame that does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, if the processor 11 successfully receives the test frames in both the first test and the second test, it determines that the PN transceiver 13 and the software of the processor 11 that processes the frames from the PN transceiver 13 are normal. In this case, the processor 11 controls the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the in-vehicle device 101 transitions from the loopback connection state to the PN transceiver connection state.

[0076] On the other hand, if the processor 11 cannot normally receive the test frame in at least one of the first test and the second test, for example, it determines that there is a problem with the PN transceiver 13 or the software of the processor 11 that processes the frame from the PN transceiver 13. In this case, the processor 11 determines that the state of the in-vehicle device 101 satisfies a predetermined condition, and controls the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 transitions from the loopback connection state to the normal transceiver connection state.

[0077] The processor 11 is not limited to a configuration that periodically performs a loopback test. For example, the processor 11 may be configured to perform a loopback test when an error such as an inability to properly receive a frame from an external device is detected while the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connected state, or when an instruction to perform a loopback test is received from a vehicle management center via an external network and an external vehicle communication device (not shown).

[0078] Furthermore, the processor 11 is not limited to a configuration that performs both the first test and the second test, and may be configured, for example, not to perform the second test.

[0079] Furthermore, the processor 11 may be configured not to perform a loopback test. For example, when the processor 11 detects an error such as an inability to properly receive frames from an external device while the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connection state, or when it becomes necessary to switch to a normal transceiver connection state due to a trade-off with processing of frames from an external device, the processor 11 may control the first switching unit 14 so that the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 becomes a normal transceiver connection state without performing a loopback test. This allows the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 to be appropriately switched depending on the states of the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15, the processing content of the in-vehicle device 101, and the like. In this case, the in-vehicle device 101 does not need to include the second switching unit 15.

[0080] <Operation flow> Next, the flow of operations of the in-vehicle device 101 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0081] The in-vehicle device 101 includes a computer including a memory, and a processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads from the memory and executes a program including some or all of the steps in the following flowchart. The program for the in-vehicle device 101 can be installed externally. Alternatively, the program for the in-vehicle device 101 can be distributed in a state stored on a recording medium or via a communication line.

[0082] [Overall flow] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure for switching the connection state of the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, it is assumed that the in-vehicle device 101 performs the loopback test every month.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, first, when the in-vehicle device 101 starts operating, the processor 11 controls the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit so that the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connected state (step S10), and operates in PN sleep mode (step S11).

[0084] Next, the processor 11 checks whether one month has passed since the previous loopback check was performed (step S12).

[0085] Next, if one month has not passed since the last loopback check was performed ("NO" in step S12), the processor 11 continues the PN transceiver connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 and continues operation in PN sleep mode.

[0086] On the other hand, if one month has passed since the previous loopback test was performed ("YES" in step S11), the processor 11 checks whether the vehicle in which the in-vehicle device 101 is installed has stopped running (step S13).

[0087] Next, if the vehicle has not stopped moving ("NO" in step S13), the processor 11 keeps the PN transceiver of the in-vehicle device 101 connected and continues operation in the PN sleep mode, while waiting until the vehicle has stopped moving. On the other hand, if the vehicle has stopped moving ("YES" in step S13), the processor 11 performs a loopback test (step S14).

[0088] Next, the processor 11 determines whether or not the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 should be changed to the normal transceiver connection state based on the result of the loopback test (step S15).

[0089] For example, suppose that the processor 11 determines in the loopback test that the PN transceiver 13 and the software of the processor 11 that processes frames from the PN transceiver 13 are normal. In this case, the processor 11 determines that the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 should be changed to the PN transceiver connection state ("NO" in step S15).

[0090] Then, the processor 11 controls the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 is switched from the loopback connection state to the PN transceiver connection state (step S16), and operates in the PN sleep mode (step S17).Then, the processor 11 performs the operations from step S12 onwards again.

[0091] On the other hand, suppose that the processor 11 determines, for example, in the loopback test, that there is a problem with the PN transceiver 13 or the software of the processor 11 that processes frames from the PN transceiver 13. In this case, the processor 11 determines that the state of the in-vehicle device 101 satisfies the predetermined condition, and therefore the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 should be changed to the normal transceiver connection state ("YES" in step S15).

[0092] Then, the processor 11 controls the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 is switched from the loopback connection state to the normal transceiver connection state (step S18), and operates in the normal sleep mode (step S19). Then, the processor 11 performs the operations from step S12 onwards again.

[0093] In addition, the processor 11 may switch the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 to a normal transceiver connection state, not only when a malfunction of the PN transceiver 13 or the software of the processor 11 that processes frames from the PN transceiver 13 is detected during the loopback test, but also, for example, in response to a notification from the management center.

[0094] For example, as will be described later, the processor 11 notifies the management center of the results of the first and second tests in the loopback test. In this case, the management center determines whether or not there is a malfunction in the PN transceiver 13 or the like of the in-vehicle device 101 based on the result of the loopback test in the in-vehicle device 101, and if it determines that there is a malfunction in the PN transceiver 13 or the like, it transmits a notification to the in-vehicle device 101 to switch to a normal transceiver connection state.

[0095] When the processor 11 in the in-vehicle device 101 receives a notification from the management center to the effect that the in-vehicle device 101 should be in the normal transceiver connection state, the processor 11 switches the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 to the normal transceiver connection state.

[0096] [Loopback inspection flow] 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure for a loopback test of an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing details of step S14 shown in FIG.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 7, first, the processor 11 outputs a control signal to the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 so that the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 is switched from the PN transceiver connection state or the normal transceiver connection state to the loopback connection state (step S21).

[0098] Next, the processor 11 checks whether the switching to the loopback connection state has been completed by checking the states of the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15, for example, after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed from the time when the control signal was output to the first switching unit 14 and the second switching unit 15 (step S22).

[0099] Next, if the switch to the loopback connection state has not been completed ("NO" in step S22), the processor 11 performs error processing such as notification (step S23).

[0100] In this case, in step S15 shown in Figure 6, if the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 before switching to the loopback connection state (step S21) is the PN transceiver connection state, the processor 11 determines that the in-vehicle device 101 should be switched to the PN transceiver connection state ("NO" in step S15), and performs the operations of steps S16 and S17.

[0101] Also, in step S15, if the connection state of the in-vehicle device 101 before switching to the loopback connection state (step S21) is a normal transceiver connection state, the processor 11 determines that the in-vehicle device 101 should be switched to a normal transceiver connection state ("YES" in step S15), and performs the operations of steps S18 and S19.

[0102] On the other hand, in step S22, if the switch to the loopback connection state is completed ("YES" in step S22), the processor 11 outputs a test frame that satisfies the specified conditions to the normal transceiver 12 (step S24), and performs a first test to confirm whether the frame has been received from the PN transceiver 13 (step S25).

[0103] Next, the processor 11 outputs another frame for inspection to the PN transceiver 13 (step S26), and performs a second inspection to confirm whether or not the frame has been received from the normal transceiver 12 (step S27).

[0104] Next, the processor 11 notifies the management center of the results of the first and second inspections via, for example, an external vehicle communication device and an external network (step S28).

[0105] In addition, the processor 11 may output a test frame that satisfies predetermined conditions to the normal transceiver 12 (step S24), and perform a first test (step S25) to confirm whether the frame has been received from the PN transceiver 13 between steps S27 and S28.

[0106] <Modification> When the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connected state, the processor 11 is not limited to a configuration in which it operates in a PN sleep mode in which it remains in a sleep state until it receives a frame from the PN transceiver 13, but may also be configured to operate in a mode in which it wakes up intermittently.

[0107] That is, the processor 11 may operate in a mode that intermittently starts up in both the case where the in-vehicle device 101 is in the PN transceiver connection state and the normal transceiver connection state. In this case, for example, the processor 11 makes the startup period when the in-vehicle device 101 is in the PN transceiver connection state longer than the startup period when the in-vehicle device 101 is in the normal transceiver connection state. Hereinafter, the details of the in-vehicle device 101 according to the modification example will be described.

[0108] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle device according to a modification example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the in-vehicle device 101 according to the modification example further includes communication ports 21, 22, and 23 as compared with the in-vehicle device 101 shown in FIG. 1. The communication ports 21, 22, and 23 are, for example, connectors or terminals of an integrated circuit.

[0109] The communication ports 21, 22, and 23 respectively correspond to a first Dika line and a second Dika line which are communication lines used for transmitting specific signals, and an AD line used for transmitting signals indicating measurement values and the like by sensors mounted on the vehicle.

[0110] Here, it is assumed that the transmission period of the frame input to the communication ports 10H and 10L to the in-vehicle device 101 is the first period St1, and the transmission period of the frame input to the communication port 21 to the in-vehicle device 101 is the second period St2. Also, it is assumed that the transmission period of the frame input to the communication port 22 to the in-vehicle device 101 is the third period St3, and the transmission period of the frame input to the communication port 24 to the in-vehicle device 101 is the fourth period St4.

[0111] It is assumed that the lengths of the first period St1, the second period St2, the third period St3, and the fourth period St4 are in the relationship of St1 < St2 < St3 < St4.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the timing at which an in-vehicle device receives each frame and the timing at which the processor in the in-vehicle device starts up when the in-vehicle device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a normal transceiver connection state.

[0113] 9, when the in-vehicle device 101 is in a normal transceiver connection state, for example, the processor 11 receives CAN frames transmitted from outside the in-vehicle device 101 at a first cycle St1 via the communication ports 10H and 10L and the normal transceiver 12. For this reason, the processor 11 is set to operate in a mode in which it is activated intermittently at the first cycle St1, for example. This allows the processor 11 to reduce power consumption and perform predetermined processing on the CAN frames from the communication ports 10H and 10L and the frames from the communication ports 21, 22, and 23.

[0114] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the timing at which an in-vehicle device receives each frame and the timing at which the processor in the in-vehicle device starts up when the in-vehicle device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a PN transceiver connected state.

[0115] 10, when the in-vehicle device 101 is in a PN transceiver connected state, the processor 11 receives, for example, a CAN frame that satisfies a predetermined condition from outside the in-vehicle device 101 via the communication ports 10H, 10L and the PN transceiver 13 at irregular intervals.

[0116] Meanwhile, the processor 11 receives, for example, frames transmitted from outside the in-vehicle device 101 at the second cycle St2 via the communication port 21. For this reason, the processor 11 is set to operate in a sleep mode in which it is activated intermittently at the second cycle St2, and to operate in a mode in which it is activated when a CAN frame that satisfies a predetermined condition is received from the PN transceiver 13 in the sleep state. This allows the processor 11 to further reduce power consumption and to perform predetermined processing on CAN frames from the communication ports 10H and 10L that satisfy the predetermined condition, and on each frame from the communication ports 21, 22, and 23.

[0117] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0118] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] An in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, a processor; A communication port; a first communication integrated circuit (IC) connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; the processor controls the first switching unit to electrically connect the second communication IC and the communication port when the in-vehicle device starts operating; The processor controls the first switching unit so that the first communication IC and the communication port are electrically connected when a state of the in-vehicle device satisfies a predetermined condition. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10H, 10L communication port 11 processors 12 Normal transceiver (first communication IC) 13 PN transceiver (second communication IC) 14 First switching unit 15 Second switching section 21, 22, 23 communication ports 101 In-vehicle equipment

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, a processor; A communication port; a first communication integrated circuit (IC) connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; The in-vehicle device further a second switching unit connected between the first communication IC and the first switching unit; the second switching unit switches between a state in which the first communication IC and the first switching unit are electrically connected and a state in which the first communication IC and the second communication IC are electrically connected; The processor performs a loopback test in which frames are sent and received between the first communication IC and the second communication IC when the first switching unit electrically connects the second switching unit and the communication port and the second switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the second communication IC.

2. the first communication IC is a CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver, The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 , wherein the second communication IC is a CAN transceiver compatible with a partial network.

3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor performs the loopback test while the vehicle is stopped.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 3 , wherein the state in which the vehicle is stopped is a state in which the vehicle is parked.

5. 2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein, in the loopback test, the processor performs a first test to confirm whether a frame output to the first communication IC can be received from the second communication IC, and a second test to confirm whether a frame output to the second communication IC can be received from the first communication IC, and notifies an external device provided outside the vehicle of the results of the first test and the results of the second test.

6. 6. The in-vehicle device according to claim 5, wherein, after notifying the external device of the results of the first test and the results of the second test, the processor controls the first switching unit to switch the connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC in accordance with the instruction when the processor receives an instruction from the external device based on the results of the first test and the results of the second test.

7. An on-board device mounted on a vehicle, a processor; A communication port; a first communication integrated circuit (IC) connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; the processor is capable of performing a sleep operation; The processor switches the mode related to the sleep operation between a first connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the communication port, and a second connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the second communication IC and the communication port.

8. 8. The in-vehicle device according to claim 7, wherein the processor operates in an intermittently activated mode in the first connection state, and in a activated mode when a frame from outside the in-vehicle device is received from the second communication IC in the second connection state.

9. 8. The in-vehicle device according to claim 7, wherein the processor operates in an intermittent activation mode, and the activation cycle of the processor in the second connection state is longer than the activation cycle of the processor in the first connection state.

10. A connection switching method for an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: The in-vehicle device a processor; A communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected; controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected when a state of the in-vehicle device satisfies a predetermined condition; The in-vehicle device further a second switching unit connected between the first communication IC and the first switching unit; the second switching unit switches between a state in which the first communication IC and the first switching unit are electrically connected and a state in which the first communication IC and the second communication IC are electrically connected; The connection switching method further includes: A connection switching method including a step of performing a loopback test in which frames are transmitted and received between the first communication IC and the second communication IC while the first switching unit electrically connects the second switching unit and the communication port and the second switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the second communication IC.

11. A connection switching method for an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: The in-vehicle device a processor; A communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected; controlling the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected when a state of the in-vehicle device satisfies a predetermined condition; the processor is capable of performing a sleep operation; The connection switching method further includes: A connection switching method including a step of switching a mode related to the sleep operation between a first connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the communication port, and a second connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the second communication IC and the communication port.

12. A connection switching program used in an in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle, The in-vehicle device a processor; A communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; Computer, a control unit that controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and when a state of the in-vehicle device satisfies a predetermined condition, controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected; It is a program to function as The in-vehicle device further a second switching unit connected between the first communication IC and the first switching unit; the second switching unit switches between a state in which the first communication IC and the first switching unit are electrically connected and a state in which the first communication IC and the second communication IC are electrically connected; The control unit is a connection switching program that performs a loopback test to send and receive frames between the first communication IC and the second communication IC when the first switching unit electrically connects the second switching unit and the communication port and the second switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the second communication IC.

13. A connection switching program used in an in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle, comprising: The in-vehicle device a processor; A communication port; a first communication IC connected to the processor and configured to output a frame received from outside the in-vehicle device via the communication port to the processor; a second communication IC connected to the processor, the second communication IC outputting a received frame to the processor when the frame satisfies a predetermined condition; a first switching unit that switches a connection destination of the communication port between the first communication IC and the second communication IC; Computer, a control unit that controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the second communication IC are electrically connected, and when a state of the in-vehicle device satisfies a predetermined condition, controls the first switching unit so that the communication port and the first communication IC are electrically connected; It is a program to function as the processor is capable of performing a sleep operation; The control unit is a connection switching program that switches the mode related to the sleep operation between a first connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the first communication IC and the communication port, and a second connection state in which the first switching unit electrically connects the second communication IC and the communication port.

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